11 Water sports in Goa that you must not miss out on

Goa is one of the most popular tourist places in India. The smallest state of India surely does pack the largest range of pleasures for its visitors. The long coastline is one of highlights of your holiday, so are the water sports in Goa. Adventure seeker or not, you must not miss them out. It is a great way to experience ultimate adrenaline rush. So get ready for ‘Sun, Sand and Sea’ and not to forget the thrilling water sports. Some of these adventure sports are available throughout the year while many are season specific.

To make it easy for you, we bring a list of 11 water sports in Goa that you must include in your itinerary.

1. Parasailing

Parasailing is one of the most thrilling water sports in Goa. Imagine enjoying the feeling of flying in the sky with wonderful view of the sea. Parasailing involves flying in the sky on a parasail harness tethered to the speedboat by a long rope, around 30-40 m. As the speedboat speeds off into the water, you will be hauled up in the air. The beauty of the clear blue-sky and the glittering water below is mesmerizing.

Where to try Parasailing in Goa

2. Windsurfing

Windsurfing is an extremely popular watersport here. It is slowly growing in popularity and Goa is perfect for the beginners. It combines the thrill of surfing and sailing. The basic requirement of the sports is, a surf board of two to four meters long and a strong wind. The excitement of the sport totally depends on the wind, mostly it’s breezy in the morning, while in the afternoons and evenings the wind gets stronger.

Where to try windsurfing in Goa?

The Dona Paula bay is known to be the ideal destination for beginners. Bogmalo, Miramar, Calangute, Arossim, Uttorda, Benaulim, Vagator and Baga are the other popular shores.

Best Season: January to March

3. Jet skiing

Another thrilling water sport in Goa that you must try on your holiday is, Jet Skiing. It is a perfect dose of adrenaline for tourist of all ages. It is favored by all as one enjoys the feeling of wind in your face, droplets of water, speed and the unending spread of cerulean waters of Arabian Sea. There are many government as well private organizers of the sport. You will be trained to master balance on the ski board and then glide on the waters.

4. Banana boat ride

Quite an easy sport, this activity must be included in your itinerary. The Banana boat rides are loved by families, kids and even the not-so adventurous. You will be seated on an inflatable boat that is shaped just like a banana and connected to a speedboat, which pulls it along the water at high speeds. Enjoy the speed over rising and falling sea waves. It is fun and a safe sport.

Where to try banana boat ride in Goa?

5. Ringo Ride Mania

One of the most fun things to do in Goa, you must definitely try Ringo Rides. This sport involves riding on a circular tube over the water surface. Participants are made to sit on a circular tube that is pulled by a speed boat. Enjoy skipping on the water surface with air in your hair and water mists in your face. The speedy ride is thrilling, you just have to hold tightly.

Where to try ringo ride mania in Goa?

Pindul Cave is the most famous spot. Other places include Mobor and Cavelossim.

Best time to visit: October to May

6. Kayaking

A perfect water sport for those who want to add adventure with sightseeing, we come to kayaking. One of the exciting water sports in Goa, kayaking involves not just thrill but also exploring the pristine beautiful surroundings. The special kind of boat, kayak is required and one should have good balance and fitness to try it. Navigate through the unexplored environs of mangroves, backwaters and mini bays in Goa.

Where to try kayaking in Goa?

The Zuari, Mandovi and the Sal backwaters; the alluring waters of Nerul River is also considered ideal for Kayaking.

Best Season: October to June

7. Scuba Diving

Goa is particularly blessed with a beautiful marine world. This brings us to one of the experiences in Goa that you must include in your itinerary, India’s Best scuba diving. A holiday in Goa remains incomplete if you have not dived under the waters. Visit the world of technicolor fishes and so many species you never knew of. Go for the sport with one of the PADI certified tour organizers who help you with training, if you are an amateur and a guide who helps you have a great time. This is an experience of a lifetime and one you must not miss out on.

Where to try scuba diving in Goa?

8. Snorkeling

Another exciting water sport to discover the marine world, snorkeling in Goa must be included in your itinerary. This activity requires participants to wear a diving mask and have a shaped tube called a snorkel. This allows the individual to stay underwater for a considerable length of time to observe the beautiful marine life. Spot the schools of batfish, angelfish, barracudas, snappers, lionfish, etc. There are many war wrecks and other underwater wonders awaiting to be explored. Avail the services of only a PADI certified organizer for this adventure sport.

Where to try snorkeling in Goa?

9. Speed boats

Riding the speed boats is one of the easiest water sports in Goa. It is favored by all visitors on a holiday in Goa, as everyone can give it a try. The speed boat ride offers the thrill of speed and taking in the charming ambience of the Goa. A quick dash in the waters is quite exciting and you can try this sport with your entire family.

Where to try?

Old Goa, Fort Aguada, Sinquerim, St. Jacinto Island and Grant Island and many more.

Best Season: October to June

10. River Rafting

Goa is blessed not just with the waters of the sea, there are many swift rivers descending form the Western Ghats. River rafting in Goa is one of the exciting water sports in Goa that you must include in your tour if you are visiting in the monsoon. The flow increases after the rains so you must plan a visit then. The white foaming waters of the rivers are available in various grades of difficulty. Rafting down the thrilling stretch is an adventure you cherish.

Where to try river rafting in Goa?

Mhadaei River, Mandovi River, Valpoi River, etc.

Best Season: June to October

11. Water zorbing

Water Zorbing is the newest addition among the best water sports in Goa. Would you not love to roll on water? Zorbing is a sport where you are put in a transparent ball which is safe and secure. This ball will be rolled on water where you can have pure fun. You can float in the water surface or go rolling, it’s an amazing experience. The orb can accommodate one or two people at a time.

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature, momos, dancing, music and travelling, Debasree Chakraborty has all interesting things to share. Go through her penned down travel experiences and collected intelligence in her write ups. Read on!

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11 Responses

Snorkeling in Goa is a very fabulous experience. Snorkeling is the best water sports activity to see the marvels of the submerged world and marine life, It was one best place to visit. Next vacation I am again planning to go Goa.